Timing Belt Identification & Replacement Guide (2024)

FAQs

How do I know what timing belt I have? ›

How to Identify a Timing Belt. There are several ways that a timing belt can be identified. Many times the timing belt part number and the name of the timing belt manufacturer will be printed on the timing belt and will still be legible.

The tensioner and idler rollers should also be replaced.

What is the Timing Belt Length? Timing Belt Length = Number of Teeth! Do not measure the length of the belt with a cord, this is inaccurate! The surest method is to count the teeth.

An experienced mechanic would be able to tell if the belt was replaced fairly recently or definitely recommend replacing soon/right away, by appearance. Combine this with vehicle age and mileage. If mileage is close to but less than the first OE recommended belt change, it most likely hasn't been changed yet.

The factory belts often have white marks that line up with the timing marks on the cylinder heads and cam sprockets. But, not all aftermarket belts do. Some have just the part number written on the belt, and that's it.

Belt length is to the nearest tenth of an inch. Example: 2450 = 4L450 Belt has 1/2” top width and 45.0” O.C. First two digits indicate belt top width. 67 = 3/8”, 68 = 1/2”, 69 = 21/32” Last two digits indicate length in inches.

Visual Check

Some signs are much more obvious, such as cracking or fraying. Belts with that kind of damage should be replaced immediately. A further way to check is to press a fingernail or the tip of a screwdriver gently onto the belt. If the pressure does not leave a mark, it means the rubber is becoming too stiff.

Flex the belt

With the engine running and the timing belt cover off, look at the belt as it runs. It should stay tight and straight, if it's flexing, that's bad news and means it is more likely to jump teeth, which will give your engine a bad day indeed.

A flashing check engine light is a sign that your car has picked up on an issue within the engine, typically for a timing belt failure or issue these lights will signal a CAM shaft/crank shaft correlation code. These codes can be diagnosed by a vehicle maintenance trained technician at your local mechanics shop.

Is it my serpentine belt or timing belt? ›

A timing belt has horizontal "teeth" that are made to fit both the crankshaft and camshaft. In contrast, a serpentine belt has multiple V-shaped grooves that appear vertically along the belt. Over time, these belts need to be replaced (roughly around the same time).

If you notice a ticking or clicking sound coming from your engine, the source could be a worn timing belt. A high-pitched screech or whirring upon starting the engine, when you're accelerating, or when you're idling, may also suggest it's time to change your timing belt.

Visual Check

Some signs are much more obvious, such as cracking or fraying. Belts with that kind of damage should be replaced immediately. A further way to check is to press a fingernail or the tip of a screwdriver gently onto the belt. If the pressure does not leave a mark, it means the rubber is becoming too stiff.

A flashing check engine light is a sign that your car has picked up on an issue within the engine, typically for a timing belt failure or issue these lights will signal a CAM shaft/crank shaft correlation code. These codes can be diagnosed by a vehicle maintenance trained technician at your local mechanics shop.